Susan Strauss is a painter in the classical realist tradition. Her oil portraits of adults and children are included in corporate and private collections nationwide. A member of the American Society of Portrait Artists, Ms. Strauss is the recipient of many awards at juried group and solo exhibits. Her art has been featured on public television as well as in The New York Times, Northeast Magazine and Connecticut Magazine. Upon completion of her B. A. and M. A. at Brooklyn College, she continued her studies with some of the finest contemporary artists at the Hartford Art School, the Art Students League and the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Her twelve years as an art instructor include teaching at the Performing Arts School in New York City.

Ms. Strauss explains her long standing interest in portrait painting:

"I am interested in and respond most deeply to people. I believe I was called into portrait painting, much like someone called into the ministry. I didn't start painting trees, flowers and apples. I started with a face.

To me, portrait painting is the greatest challenge, not to just create a likeness and reveal the character of the subject but to create a fine painting that stands on its own merit with style, beautiful colors, textures and good composition.

I pledge that every painting that leaves my studio will represent my very finest effort as a creative artist. It is my love of people that first led me to portrait painting and I hope that same enthusiasm continues to energize my paintings."